Dental findings on face and neck imaging

Abstract

When it is necessary to evaluate dental structures, the typical method is to obtain intraoral or panoramic X-rays at specialized dental clinics. However, in the daily practice of head and neck radiology, or even general radiology, it is common to encounter clinical situations or examination findings related to dental problems that should not be ignored. Because such problems can often be responsible for the clinical complaints of patients, this review aims to assist radiologists in identifying and describing common dental conditions on computed tomography of paranasal sinuses, face, and neck. It is important for radiologists to have knowledge of dental arch anatomy and its relationships with facial structures, as well as of major dental pathologies, including periapical sclerotic lesions, odontogenic cysts, fistulas, and abscesses, together with knowledge of incidental findings without clinical repercussions, which should be easily identified and stressed by the radiologist when necessary. The imaging methods most commonly used in evaluation of paranasal sinuses and face are computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Those methods allow radiologists to recognize and become familiar with the main dental findings. The description of such findings by a radiologist can lead to a change in treatment strategy.

CT and MR Appearance of Teeth: Analysis of Anatomy and Embryology and Implications for Disease

“…While many abnormalities of the dentition are well-depicted on dedicated dental radiographs [ 3 ], the first encounter with a dental anomaly may be by a radiologist on a computed tomographic (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) exam performed for other reasons [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Further, most dental radiographs are interpreted by dental clinicians and not viewed by a radiologist in a medical setting.…”

The Use of Fine Arts to Enhance Visualization and Describing Skills in a First-Year Dental Anatomy Course: A Qualitative Study

“…More specifically, in dental education, the use of artistic drawing exercises has been utilized as a tool to increase three-dimensional tooth drawing skills and students' engagement in the dental anatomy curriculum [12]. In the dental anatomy curriculum, it is paramount to introduce practices that encourage students to learn and apply the appropriate dental anatomy nomenclature [13,14]. Because dental anatomy courses introduce students to the appropriate nomenclature to explain and describe the morphology and spatial-functional relationships of human dentition [15,16], the knowledge students acquire in the dental anatomy course is fundamental in the subsequent phases of dental training [14,17,18].…”